“The discovery of new worlds outside our solar system began with a mystery: a tiny wobble.” ? Lisa Kaltenegger, from Alien Earths (p. 159).

Less than 35 years ago, we only knew of planets in our own solar system. Today, astronomers have confirmed thousands of "exoplanets," revealing a universe far stranger and more diverse than we ever imagined. Exoplanets are worlds orbiting other stars and they range from fiery "Hot Jupiters," to icy “Mini-Neptunes,” to rocky "Super-Earths," and even sunless rogues drifting through the galaxy. Course participants will embark on a five-week cosmic journey of exploration to these strange new worlds and alien solar systems, all from the comfort of their own homes.

Using the latest findings from NASA’s Kepler, TESS, the James Webb Space Telescope, and ground-based observatories, this course will cover the techniques astronomers use to find distant worlds, reveal surprising characteristics of those worlds, and seek a second Earth. Participants will engage with critical questions, such as: Are we alone? What makes a planet habitable? And how does our own solar system compare to the countless others we have discovered?

Each class will address a specific topic through lecture, PowerPoint presentations, animations, and discussions. No complex math or science background is required ? just curiosity about the Universe.

Participants are expected to have computer literacy/access and an email account for communication.